Sweat Free Summer

Now that the sun is out and the temperatures have (finally!) risen in Chicago, it’s time to focus on how to take care of your skin this summer. While for most people the summer heat is something to look forward to, for those who suffer from excessive sweating or primary hyperhidrosis, warmer temperatures can lead to discomfort or embarrassing situations.

Whether it’s excessive sweating of the palms, feet, or underarms, your dermatologist can help keep you dry and sweat stain-free. Read on for some options to help you have a sweat free summer!

Typically, our first line of defense against excessive sweating is a prescription topical solution of aluminum chloride that is applied to the affected areas of the skin at bedtime. Aluminum chloride is a solution of tiny crystals that block the sweat ducts and thus significantly reduce the amount of sweat released on the skin’s surface. There can be some mild skin irritation with initial use and you should talk to your dermatologist if you have sensitive skin.

For patients concerned by excess sweating of multiple parts of the body, there is an oral medication glycopyrrolate that can be prescribed to reduce sweat production. Glycopyrrolate works by blocking the nerve signal to the sweat gland to produce sweat. This systemic treatment is great way to suppress perspiration. Like all medications, there are side effects associated with glycopyrrolate. The most common side effect is dry mouth.

For patients seeking an in-office treatment for sweating, we are happy to offer Botox injections to treat hyperhidrosis. Botox works directly at the sweat gland by blocking the nerve signal that cause sweat to be released on the skin surface. This treatment is performed by a dermatologist and takes only about 10 minutes. The effect takes about 7 days to appear and lasts between 4-6 months. For more information on Botox in general, check out my last post on how Botox works

To find out which approach would best address your individual concerns, please schedule an in office consultation and don’t forget to have a sweat free and sunscreen full summer!